WhatsApp for Android is reportedly in the process of developing two innovative artificial intelligence (AI) features that could enhance user engagement within the app. According to recent information, the platform is focusing on an AI-powered Rewrite feature designed to alter typed messages in various styles. This feature is also expected to provide proofreading capabilities for users before they send their messages. Additionally, the app may be working on a two-way live voice chat option for Meta AI, enabling a hands-free interaction with the chatbot.
WhatsApp for Android Could Soon Introduce Two New AI Features
An Android Authority report reveals that WhatsApp may be getting ready to launch a text-rewriting feature powered by artificial intelligence. This discovery was made during an Android application package (APK) teardown of version 2.25.8.5 of the app, where the new feature was found encoded in the software. Currently, it is not available for user testing as it has not been activated yet.
WhatsApp AI Rewrite feature
Photo Credit: Android Authority
The AI Rewrite feature is expected to be accessible through a floating action button (FAB) marked with a pencil icon that appears above the Send button after a user types in a chat or group conversation. Once a few words have been entered, users can select this pencil icon to open a text editing interface, where they will have the option to choose from various text rewriting styles.
Reportedly, these rewriting options include categories such as Funny, Proofread, Puns, Rephrase, Sarcastic, Shorter, Spooky, and Supportive. The Proofread option is designed to correct spelling and grammatical mistakes, while the other options modify the tone of the messages.
In a separate update, WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo stated in a post that the app is also exploring enhancements for Meta AI. At present, users can engage in text-based conversations with the chatbot, pose questions, gather information from the internet, generate images, and share prompts as voice messages, but voice chat capabilities are currently absent.
This could potentially change in a forthcoming update, as a new call-like interface for Meta AI was discovered in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.8.7. However, since it remains under development, beta testers will not have access to this feature at this time.
Meta AI voice calling interface
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo
Based on screenshots shared by the feature tracker, the Meta AI interface is set to initiate a call-like session automatically once this feature is activated. Users will have the flexibility to toggle between text-only mode and verbal interaction, allowing the AI to respond vocally while users continue to send text messages. This two-way live voice conversation capability appears to mimic features similar to Gemini Live.
According to WABetaInfo, users will have the ability to maintain a conversation with Meta AI even if they navigate to another app, with the option to mute their audio in loud environments. Additionally, users can end the call at their convenience.
In September 2024, the company launched the Meta AI Voice Chat feature which utilized celebrity voices, although it primarily functioned as a text-to-speech enhancement rather than reflecting a capability akin to ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode. It remains unclear whether this newly reported feature is merely an upgrade of the previous offering or if it will also provide a more natural-sounding voice chat experience.
